Shaw Holds Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

Photo Caption: 2003 Hall of Fame Inductees with Dr. Spann (far left) and President Newsome (far right)

Raleigh, NC -- Shaw University recently hosted its Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet as a part of its 2003 Homecoming festivities. The function took place on October 30th in Spaulding Gymnasium. The following six individuals were inducted:

Agnes B. Baxter, Class of 1983 – (Wake County, NC resident) received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Corrective Therapy from Shaw University. She completed coursework for a MS in Adapted Physical Education from Ohio State University in August 1984. She received several individual awards for outstanding performances including the 80-yard hurdles (for which she holds her high school record), the ¼ Mile, 4x200 and 4x400 Relays, and the long jump. Agnes received the team’s highest GPA award, Outstanding Female Athlete Award, Team MVP, and lettered in Track and Softball. Mrs. Baxter has been an employee at Shaw University for thirteen years and is currently a Residence Director for the Talbert O. Shaw Living and Learning Center women's residence hall. Mrs. Baxter was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for her Track & Field ability.

Robert A. Smith, Class of 1974 – (Wake County, NC resident) received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Shaw University. Robert A. Smith was a starting forward on the basketball team from 1970 – 1973. He earned his varsity letter each year of play, averaging 18 points per game. He was selected to the Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team in 1971 and 1972, nominated for the All-CIAA team 1973 and received the outstanding athletic senior award in 1974. Robert recently retired from his employment with the City of Raleigh where he worked as the Director of the Biltmore Hills Park and Community Center. Currently, he works as a licensed Life and Health Mortgage Broker as the owner and operator of Insurance & Investments. Mr. Smith was inducted into the Athletic hall of Fame for his basketball ability.

Bishop C. Stallings, Class of 1970 – (Wake County, NC resident) received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Shaw University. As a middle linebacker, Stallings was named "Defensive Player of the Week" 17 times. He led the team in tackles his junior and senior years. In 1967, he averaged 20 plus tackles per game. In 1966 and 1967 he earned the position of Defensive Captain for the Bears. For his defensive savvy and ruggedness, he made the All-CIAA team in 1967. Bishop is currently working as a Food Service Supervisor for the North Carolina Department of Correction and he is also a deacon at First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Raleigh. Mr. Stalling was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his football ability.

Debra Ellerbee-Carter, Class of 1977 – (Pennsylvania resident) A native of Laurinburg, NC, Debra received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Shaw University. Under the direction of Head Coach William Spann, Ellerbee was transformed into a champion. "Elllerbee" played point guard and helped direct the Lady Bears to become CIAA NAIAW Division III Champions in 1976. Currently she is the Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach at Millersville University in Millersville, PA. Mrs. Ellerbee-Carter was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for her Basketball ability.

Kelly C. Utley Jr. – (Virginia resident) was a dominant force on the Bears baseball team that was the runner-up in the 1971 CIAA Championship. While attending Shaw, he was honored as All-CIAA player in 1970, 1971, and 1972. Among other honors he also received the Small College All-American team in 1971 and 1972, Shaw University’s first All - American Basketball player. He was also recognized as All-CIAA as second baseman of the Bears baseball team. In 1972 he left Shaw University and became a counselor for troubled youth in NY. Currently, Mr. Utley is the Manager of a Fuddruckers Restaurant in Alexandria, VA. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his basketball ability.

Billy Ray Jackson, Class of 1971 – (New York resident) received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Shaw University. Jackson lettered in football, basketball, baseball and tennis while attending Shaw University. Billy excelled as tight end, punter, and place kicker. He led the CIAA as the number one punter in 1969 and 1970, averaging 44 yards per punt. His football skills and talent gave him the opportunity to tryout for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, the New York Giants, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although Jackson was outstanding in Football, he has been involved with the sport of tennis for more than 30 years. He is highly ranked nationally as a professional tennis player by the United Tennis Association and he now works as an instructor and club pro in Chappaqua, NY. Mr. Jackson was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his football ability.